Disadvantage Business Enterprise & Small Business Enterprise

The Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE Program) in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. NVTA’s DBE goal for fiscal years 2023 – 2025 was issued as a public notice in 2022.

The main objectives of the DBE Program are:

(a) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department’s highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs;

(b) To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;

(c) To ensure that the Department’s DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;

(d) To ensure that only firms that fully meet this part’s eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;

(e) To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts;

(f) To promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally assisted contracts and procurement activities conducted by recipients.

(g) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program; and

(h) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.

DBE Certification

For small, disadvantaged firms, including those owned by minorities and women, to participate as a DBE in federal-aid contracts, they must apply for and receive certification as a DBE. For the state of California, DBE certification is performed by the certifying agencies of the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP).

Program Specific Websites:

CFR Title 40, Part 26

U.S. D.O.T., Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

California Department of General Services

U.S. Small Business Administration

Caltrans Civil Rights

California Unified Certification Program

Small Business/Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)

Cal eProcure SB/DVBE Certification

Calmentor Program

The Calmentor mentor-protégé program is designed to encourage and support small businesses through voluntary partnerships with mid-size and larger firms. The program aims to increase the participation of small Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firms in public transportation projects in the San Francisco Bay Area region. To ensure success, Caltrans District 4 have partnered with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Visit District 4 Calmentor page for more information.

Other Resources

The links below my offer additional information on DBE Programs, small business resources, upcoming and networking events. The links are provided as a resource- NVTA does not make any endorsement or guarantee services provided.

• Napa Chamber of Commerce

• American Canyon Chamber of Commerce

• St. Helena Chamber of Commerce

• Calistoga Chamber of Commerce

• Yountville Chamber of Commerce

• Napa- Sonoma Small Business Development Center
• Small Business Administration- San Francisco Bay Area District Office

If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding the DBE program, please contact:

Renel Coombs, Procurement & Contracts Administrator/DBELO
625 Burnell St.
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 259-8790
rcoombs@nvta.ca.gov